Winnie Mandela Dies At 81

The apartheid icon has been ill for a number of years and was most recently admitted to Milpark Hospital due to an infection affecting her kidneys.

The last time the stalwart was in a hospital was in October 2017 for a knee surgery, which she had a full recovery from.

During her ex-husband’s 27-year imprisonment for his fight against apartheid, Madikizela-Mandela campaigned for his release and the rights of black South Africans, undergoing arrest and banishment. White minority rule ended in 1994.

The former South African first lady was born in the village of Mbongweni, Bizana, in the Transkei.

Family spokesperson Victor Dlamini confirmed Madikizela-Mandela’s death at the Netcare Milpark Hospital on Monday 2 April 2018.

He says the stalwart died after a long illness, for which she had been in and out of hospital since the start of the year.

“She succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones.”

Dlamini says the Mandela family is deeply grateful for the gift of Madikizela-Mandela’s life and has urged all those who loved her to celebrate her.

He says the family will release details of the memorial and funeral services once these have been finalised.